Consultations

Breastfeeding consultations take place in my clinic in Strandhill on Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment only. Online consultations and appointments outside this time frame can be arranged. You can expect confidential, compassionate, respectful, and professional service at all consultations.

 

Testimonials

“I’m so happy I attended Pauline’s clinic when our daughter was 6 days old. She is so thorough and she helped resolve all our early feeding problems - she has made our breastfeeding experience so much more enjoyable than the first time around. She is kind, compassionate and you feel so at ease and reassured under her care. I would highly recommend her and we are very lucky to have her valuable services in the Sligo area- one of the best. Thank you.”

— Celine 2019

 

Lactation consultation

The initial consultation is one hour and forty-five minutes. Review or short consultations are 30 to 60 minutes.

What happens at a consultation?

The consultation revolves around a full feeding session. During that time, I will assess your baby’s attachment, position, latch and suck. We will review your pregnancy, birth, and early breastfeeding experience to complete the picture. I will offer you information and guidance that will help you resolve your feeding issues and help you reach your breastfeeding goals. Your baby will also have an oral and suck assessment with your consent.  

At the same time, if you are breastfeeding, I can assess for any problems that may interfere with breastfeeding successfully such as engorgement, nipple trauma, or insufficient glandular tissue.  If you have an underlying medical condition, we can work together to devise a plan to help breastfeeding fit in with a particular condition e.g. epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, diabetes to name but a few.  

If you agree or request, I can liaise with your GP, Public Health Nurse, or other healthcare professionals. Referral for specialist treatment can be facilitated if required. Following the consultation, I will email a management plan to you and will arrange to follow up contact with you. 

Fees

Initial consultation – €150

Short or review consultation - If you would like a shorter appointment, you can prearrange one by contacting Pauline directly. She will discuss with you the nature of the appointment and you will agree an appropriate time frame and fee.

30 minutes - €50

45 minutes - €70
60 minutes - €80
One hour and 30 minutes - €120

Online Antenatal Preparation Consultation

I use a paid Zoom platform to carry out this consultation. Like all of my consultations, you can expect a confidential, compassionate, respectful, and professional service.

 

Testimonials

“I was struggling with medical issues when I was trying to breastfeed. You were the one voice that gave me hope and helped me believe it was possible to work through and continue breastfeeding.”

— Mary 2019

 

One-to-One Antenatal Breastfeeding Preparation Consultation

This is consultation is suitable for people who may prefer a one-to-one consultation as opposed to a group class. It is suitable for anybody who has an underlying medical condition or has a specific problem that may compromise getting breastfeeding or any type of feeding off to a good start. If you had a previous traumatic birth or breastfeeding experience you may require specific help to process and plan for a more positive experience next time around.

What happens at a consultation?

This is a very personalised consultation based on your needs and experience. The information and plan given will be very specific and tailored to your needs. This type of consultation may help families who wish to co- nurse, prepare for feeding for non birthing families.

Fees

1hr-1hr 30mins - €120

Online Consultations

I use a paid Zoom platform to carry out online consultations. Like all of my consultations, you can expect a confidential, compassionate, respectful, and professional service.

 

Testimonials

I sought Pauline’s help concerning bottle refusal. A good consultant concerning this issue is hard to come by. I couldn’t have asked for better help. Pauline was knowledgeable, empathetic, and nurturing during a stressful period. She made me realise that I was going in the wrong direction and my daughter had developed an oral aversion. With Pauline’s help, my daughter is thriving and reaching her developmental milestones. She is loving her sippy cup and weaning fun.

— Blathnaid 2020

 

Online Consultation

There are some slight differences to online consultations, the consultation tends to be shorter, a duration of around 1 hr 30 min.

What happens at a consultation?

In order to prepare for your online consultation, I will speak to you on the phone and will explain what I require for the consultation and why. I will assess your baby’s position latch and suck through the use of the videos. Photos of your baby may give me a clue to structural issues that may impact breastfeeding.

Your baby may breastfeed or feed during the consultation and that is very useful too. I will offer you information and guidance that will help you resolve your feeding issues and help you reach your nursing or feeding goals. The consultation will be much the same as a clinic visit except, I will not be able to carry out an infant suck assessment or weigh your baby.

A tongue-tie may be identified however be it will not be as reliable as a face-to-face assessment. Following the consultation, I will email a management plan to you and arrange to follow up contact with you. Some consultations are more suited to clinic visits and I may recommend this path over the online alternative.

Fees

€120

Breastfeeding Classes

Breastfeeding workshops have now moved online using a Zoom platform for the foreseeable future. All workshops take place on a Saturday morning starting at 10.00. Booking is essential.

 

Testimonials

“I cannot recommend Pauline highly enough. Her breastfeeding workshops are essential to any family considering breastfeeding. The second time around it gave me greater knowledge. Breastfeeding is an art and a science and Pauline is an expert and an artiste! She also helped us in the first few weeks when a tongue tie rendered us a bit confused. Our breastfeeding journey shows no sign of ending anytime soon and baby Éirinn is more than thriving! I can never thank Pauline enough for what she has given to us. Keep up the amazing work!”

 

Get Breastfeeding Off to a Good Start

This class is suitable for any person preparing to breastfeed.

This class covers the following topics:

  • The magic of breastmilk. 

  • Establishing feeding in the early days and weeks.

  • Normal newborn behaviour and normal feeding behaviour.  

  • Recognising your baby is feeding well and correctly latched on to the breast. 

  • How to soothe and calm and be responsive to your baby.

  • How partners can effectively support the breastfeeding relationship. 

  • Nighttime feeding and sleep rhythms. 

  • Managing breastfeeding problems. 

  • Expressing and storing your breastmilk.

  • Developing a support network.

Fees

3hrs online class –  €80

Starting Solids and Breastfeeding Beyond Six Months

Are you concerned about when is the right time to introduce solids into your baby’s diet? Or have questions about nursing or feeding beyond 6 months? This online class is hugely beneficial to those who need peace of mind and questions answered.

 

Testimonials

Pauline, Thank you for such an informative morning - you packed a lot in and proved a great recap. I took plenty more away that was new to me. We are lucky to have a great workshop on our doorstep.

— C.C 2020

 

Starting Solids and Breastfeeding Beyond Six Months

This class is suitable for mothers who are thinking about starting to feed their babies solid food. While this will focus on breastfeeding it is suitable for parents who combine feed by bottle or SNS or who use bottles alone.  If you wish to take this class one-to-one please contact me.

This class covers the following topics:

  • Best time to start solid food. 

  • How to recognise your baby is ready for solid food. 

  • What foods to give your baby and what not to feed your baby. 

  • Baby-led weaning and using spoons. 

  • How much food to give babies and how breastfeeding fits in with solid food. 

  • Dealing with food sensitivities and digestive changes. 

  • Picking up your baby’s cues. 

  • Encouraging healthy eating habits and avoiding food battles. 

Fees

1hr 30mins - €40

Returning to Work and Breastfeeding

The time has come, you’re returning to work. What next?!

 

Testimonials

Pauline’s workshop on weaning and returning to work left me with a feeling I usually have after seeing Pauline – confident with a can-do, will-do attitude. The outstanding thing about Pauline is that she can bring the topic to a group and interweave it with the needs, experience, and expectations of each individual of the group.

— Anne-Marie 2018

 

Returning to Work and Breastfeeding Class

This class is suitable for women who intend to return to the workforce and continue to breastfeed or partially nurse or may plan to wean altogether .

This class covers the following topics:

  • Child care and different options. 

  • Returning to work full time/ part-time/ shift work and its impact on breastfeeding. 

  • Partial weaning from the breast, full weaning options too. 

  • Mixing breastfeeding and pumping. 

  • Know how to pump, when to pump, and where to pump. 

  • Choosing a pump suitable for your needs. 

  • Night time rhythms. 

  • Managing working and feeding. 

  • Coping strategies. 

  • Looking after yourself and your relationship.  

Fees

1hr 30mins - €50

Can’t find a suitable appointment?